The Ahmadinejad Option
The article discusses the controversial idea that the U.S. and Israel considered supporting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a coup to replace the Iranian regime. Despite Ahmadinejad's past controversies and lack of political relevance, some analysts suggest that he could serve as a caretaker leader under specific conditions. The piece highlights the complexities of regime change in Iran and the potential strategies that could be employed.
- ▪The U.S. and Israel reportedly sought to install Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran's leader after the anticipated fall of the Islamic Republic.
- ▪Ahmadinejad's past controversies have led many to view the idea of his support as ironic and laughable.
- ▪Analysts argue that Ahmadinejad lacks the organizational support necessary to lead a coup against the current regime.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
GlobalThe Ahmadinejad OptionThe idea that Israel and the United States might back Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in a coup has drawn guffaws from several different groups.By Graeme WoodEric Lafforgue /Hans Lucas / ReduxMay 22, 2026, 4:10 PM ET ShareSave Earlier this week, The New York Times reported that at the outset of the war, the United States and Israel sought to install former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as Iran’s leader, after the anticipated fall of the Islamic Republic. The inauspicious first step in this brilliant plan was to blow up part of Ahmadinejad’s compound in an air strike on February 28 in the Narmak district of Tehran.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Atlantic.
